Australian Kids Seek Counselling Help

According to the Huffington Post, statistics show that Australian youth are reaching out for Mental Health Help more frequently now than in the previous years.
Kids Help Line Insights Report shows that since 1996 there’s been a 626 percent increase in calls from young Australians seeking help for problems such as self-harm and for their emotional and mental problems. In the same report there were increases by as much as 246 percent in suicide related calls. There are many counselling services available to children and young people. Taking them to counselling should be a priority if there are signs of depression and anxiety or other mental health /emotional concerns.

When Counselling Is Needed

Supporting your child/youth may mean making an appointment with a counsellor. They might be angry, absent, depressed or seem anxious, show signs of drug use, not wanting to talk, hide in their room and demonstrate a complete change of character. A counsellor is a trained unbiased listener to help them open up with or without your presence in the room.

Communicating The Need For Counselling To Your Child Or Youth

We need to communicate in a way that isn’t threatening or controlling. Kids can sense it quite easily. Directly ask them for a commitment to attend without the use of controlling language. E.g. “Would it be OK If I make the appointment for you to see a counsellor?” Make sure that you don’t make an appointment or hide an appointment to later surprise them with it.
Show them that you care and that as concerned as parents you’d like to give them extra help.

1. Let them know why the counselling is necessary and that if they don’t like it after three weeks they don’t have to go back.
2. The problem your child is going through is a family problem. Let them know that this is something you’ll need help for as well.
3. Ask your child to visit counselling as a favour to you. You can always appeal to their sense of compassion.
4. Appeal to their common sense if they don’t want to go. Let them know they should trust your knowledge as a parent who knows best. Be the parent.
5. Normalise counselling and therapy as a part of life. Sometimes we all need the extra help and support. Be positive about counselling.

Preparing Them For The Appointment

1. Ask questions and let them ask questions about counselling to address their fears and concerns.
2. Let them know that the counsellor will ask questions that they shouldn’t worry about what to say or need to rush to give an answer. Reassure them that there’s no need to answer questions they’re comfortable with.
3. Ask them if they’d mind if you attend for support or if they prefer to be alone. Giving them an option gives them a sense of control.

On The Day Of The Appointment

Make plans to do something fun together after the appointment to take the focus off counselling.
If you see signs of stress or struggling be clear and firm while reinforcing the reasons for going to counselling without fighting about it. If they refuse to attend come along on your own or with your spouse to talk about the situation.
Leave early on the day to reduce the stress of rushing to the appointment.

Sources

Mum Daily – Michelle Mitchell, teen expert
Huffington Post, More Young Australians Are reaching out For Mental Health Help

Where To Find Help

If you’re concerned about yourself or your child you can talk to your GP.
If you’re looking for a counsellor near you search www.theaca.net.au
Kids Help Line Phone 1800 55 1800
Lifeline Crisis 24 hours Support and Suicide Prevention 13 14 11